Folding table



JOSEE JOHNSON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR rIO HIMSELF, AND JOHN IVARD,JR., OF

BROOKLYN, NEW' YORK.

FOLDING TABLE.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 31,353, dated February 5, 1861.

To all whom t may concern.'

B-e it known that I, Joslin JOHNSON, of New York, in the county andState of New York, have invented a new and Improved Folding TableCapable of Folding t into a Small Compass or Stowage for Transportation;and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and eXactdescription of the same, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings, in which-- Figure 1 is a view from below, with the tablespread for use, the red lines showing the manner in which the legs arefolded. Fig. 2 is a similar view with the parts folded, and Fig. 3 is anedge view of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

r)The nature of my invention consists in the combination and arrangementof a table top with a hinged center-piece, and legs, the latter attachedto the center-piece by joints, in such a manner that the wholemay bequickly folded into a small compass for stowage, or as quicklyunfoldedfor use; and also in connection therewith of certain stops for holdingthe legs extended.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention I willproceed to describe its construction and operation by the aid of thedrawings.

A is the table top, made of one piece or paneled as may be desired. Atthe center of this top I place a piece of wood or a frame B, and attachit to the top by hinges I), The thickness of this piece B is just equalto the thickness of two of the legs. At each corner of B I hinge otherpieces C, carrying the legs D at their outer ends. The length of thesepieces C is such that when in the position shown in full lines in Fig.l, the legs D are in position to support the top A properly, but when inthe position showin in red lines in Fig. 1, and in full lines in Fig. 2,the legs come about flush with the edge of the top A. When folded inthis position the pieces C form a continuation of the centerpiece B andmay with it be folded over upon the top A, as is shown in Figs. 2 and 3.In this condition the whole table occupies a thickness only equal to thecombined thickness of the top A l and the centerpiece B. It maytherefore be stowed in a small space. Then wanted for use the operationis reversed.

E. E, E, E, are hooks or buttons performing the double purpose ofpreventing the ythe other, thus reducing the size of the folded form,but increasing its thickness.

I am aware that tables have been before constructed to fold up, but I amnot aware that they have been made in the form of my invention, whichform I believe to possess the advantages of simplicity, strength,rigidity when in use, and cheapness.

Having now fully described my invention, w(hat I claim as new thereinand desire to secure by Letters Patent is- The combination andarrangement of the top A, center-piece B, hook buttons E or othersuitable fastenings and leg pieces C, hinged together so that they maybe readily folded into a small compass, substantially in the manner andfor the purpose herein described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

JOSEE JOHNSON. Titnesses G. II. BABcocK, WM. B. SMITH.

